Signalling and Metabolic Regulation

Code

LIFE2074

School

Life Sciences

Level

2

Credits

20

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

The module aim is to explain the main signalling mechanisms that take place in eukaryotic cells. This information will then be integrated with material concerning the metabolic processes such as glucose and lipid metabolism. The module will explain how metabolism is regulated and describe the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation.

Metabolic control is essential for the health and survival of all organisms, and the dysregulation of metabolism underlies many of the major health problems of the 21st century such as Type II diabetes and heart disease. In this module, which combines lectures, workshops and practical sessions, students will learn about the main signalling mechanisms and pathways which can control protein levels, activity and intra-cellular site of action. This knowledge will then be placed in the context of the regulation of major metabolic pathways, such that students will understand the basis of eukaryotic metabolism, the factors influencing metabolic control and the molecular signalling pathways by which control is achieved. Workshops and Lectures will be used to allow students to gain insight into metabolic control in a real world setting, including the effects of alcohol consumption and starvation/re-feeding. Practical sessions will be integrated with the Lecture material to allow students to be involved in the design and interpretation experiments which investigate the effects of different signalling pathways upon cellular metabolism.

Target Students

Compulsory for all students registered for Single Honours degrees in Biochemistry with or without another subject and other students subject to approval

Co-requisites

Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:

• Genes, Molecules and Cells (LIFE1029)

Classes

This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc

Assessment

• 40% Coursework 1: Graphical abstract based on practical work.
• 60% Exam 1 (2-hour): Online examination

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

With appropriate reference to the HEFCE/QAA descriptors for Biosciences

A. Knowledge and Understanding. On completion of this module students should be able to:

i. know and explain the major signalling pathways found in eukaryotes,

ii. Understand the biochemical basis of metabolic processes

iii. Explain how the major signalling pathways regulate metabolism

iv. Describe using specific examples how external factors such as food intake or alcohol ingestion affect signalling and metabolism in humans

v. to devise and evaluate suitable experimental procedures for the investigation of relevant areas of signalling and metabolic regulation

B. Intellectual skills. On completion of this module students should be able to:

i. To learn to integrate concepts from different areas of Biochemistry – notably signalling and metabolism (lecture material/exam)

ii. To develop experimental design and interpretation skills and data presentation and statistical analysis techniques.

C. Professional and Practical Skills. Analytical and data interpretation skills. On completion of this module students should be able to:

i. To develop experimental design and interpretation skills and data presentation and statistical analysis techniques, determine the validity and rigour of statistical outcomes. (Coursework 1)

Personal and professional development skills. On completion of this module students should be able to:

i. Biosciences graduates should be able to develop the skills necessary for independent lifelong learning (All Coursework)

D. Transferable/key skills. Communication, presentation and information technology skills. On completion of this module students should be able to:

i. To communicate about their subject employing appropriate scientific language (Workshop and Coursework 1 and 2)

ii. Access and understand scientific literature from external sources relevant to the lecture material

iii. to use the internet and other electronic sources critically as a means of communication and a source of information.(all module)

E. Interpersonal and teamwork skills. On completion of this module students should be able to:

i. to identify individual and collective goals and responsibilities and perform in a manner appropriate to these roles, (Coursework 1 and 2)

ii. to recognise and respect the views and opinions of other team members (Coursework 1 and 2 and workshop)

iii. to evaluate their own performance as an individual and a team member (workshop)

iv. to evaluate the performance of others (workshop)

Conveners

• Dr Sebastien Serres